Movable Ring Electrode Lead for Precise Brain Stimulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lead implantation surgeries for deep brain stimulation face challenges in precisely inserting and adjusting the size and position of the lead due to the use of micro-leads, which are not suitable for precise stimulation, requiring reinsertion and complicating the surgical process.

Innovation Solution

A lead system with a movable ring member, such as a C-ring, that adjusts the exposure position of electrodes on the electrode wire, allowing for precise placement and adjustment of electrical stimulation points, facilitated by a lead system with a main processor, electrode clamp, and a C-ring controller for manual or magnetic control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a micro-lead is used for initial insertion and positioning, then the lead can be inserted into the brain region, but the micro-lead is not suitable for stimulation and requires removal and reinsertion of a different lead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of lead insertionVSAvoidcomplexity of lead implantation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the micro-lead and stimulation lead into a single integrated lead structure. The lead includes both a first electrode for recording brain signals and a second electrode for applying electrical stimulation, eliminating the need for separate micro-lead insertion and subsequent stimulation lead implantation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lead is designed with multi-functionality to perform both recording and stimulation functions. The lead can detect brain signals through the first electrode and deliver electrical stimulation through the second electrode, making it suitable for both positioning and therapeutic application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the lead size is increased for stimulation, then the lead can provide effective electrical stimulation, but the lead cannot be precisely inserted to the target position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of electrical stimulationVSAvoidprecision of lead insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lead is segmented into distinct functional sections: a first electrode section for recording and positioning, and a second electrode section for stimulation. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lead incorporates a movable ring member that can be adjusted along the longitudinal direction of the electrode wire. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the exposure position of the second electrode to be fine-tuned after insertion, enabling precise positioning for effective stimulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the position of the lead is adjusted after insertion, then the stimulation position can be optimized, but multiple insertions and reinsertions are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of stimulation positionVSAvoidtime for lead insertion and adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The movable ring member can be adjusted along the electrode wire in the longitudinal direction to change the exposure position of the second electrode. This dynamic adjustment capability allows precise positioning of the stimulation electrode without requiring lead removal and reinsertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adjustment of the exposure position parameter of the second electrode by moving the ring member. This parameter change enables optimization of the stimulation position while keeping the lead in place, reducing the need for repeated insertions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If the size of the contact point is reduced for precise positioning, then the lead can be accurately placed, but the lead is not suitable for effective stimulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of contact point positionVSAvoideffectiveness of stimulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lead separates the recording function (first electrode) from the stimulation function (second electrode). The first electrode can be small for precise positioning and signal detection, while the second electrode is designed with appropriate size for effective electrical stimulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ring member acts as an intermediary that controls the exposure of the second electrode. By adjusting the ring member position, the system can precisely control which portion of the second electrode is exposed, thereby controlling the contact point size for stimulation while maintaining effective stimulation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate and simplified lead implantation by reducing the need for multiple insertions and allowing for fine-tuning of stimulation positions and parameters, enhancing the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

the ring member is movable with respect to the electrode wire by a magnetic force acting from outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12403301B2Lead for applying electrical stimulation to body organ, and electrode system using same
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 SAMSUNG LIFE PUBLIC WELFARE FOUND
  • US12403301B2 patent drawing
  • US12403301B2 patent drawing
  • US12403301B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lead implanted in a body to apply electrical stimulation to body organs includes an electrode wire having one end provided as an insertion portion to be inserted into a body and another end provided as an interface portion for connection with an external device; a first electrode in the insertion portion to transmit electrical stimulation to body organs; a second electrode on the interface portion to receive electrical stimulation applied from outside; a signal line that interconnects the first electrode and second electrode to transmit electrical stimulation received by the second electrode to the first electrode; and a ring member that covers the first electrode and has an opening for exposing the first electrode in a portion of a circumferential direction, and is mounted to be movable in a longitudinal or circumferential direction with respect to the electrode wire by an external force to adjust an exposure position of the first electrode.